The midland journal., 1887-01-14
Nuts For Farmers To Crack.

Communicated
We notice in several paper, proceedings
of Farmers Clubs held at different places
at which the Labor Question was discussed.
Neal Hambleton read before the Fulton
Farmers Club Of Lancaster, Co., an article
from 1.-THE Farmers Friend" on "Farm
Help" which read thus: "Poor Labor is
dear at any price, but good, intelligent la
Dor is unLerpaid. The farmer should be
able to pay as literally as any one else, but
he cannot, and his labor must be of poor
quality because middle men take the pro-
fit away from him.
From the above it may he inferred that
nothing but poor labor is to be had on the
farm, and this state of things is brought
about because the farmer is unable to pay
for good, intel ligent labor. Why is he not
able? Is it not caused by buying what he
could do without? If farmers are as poor
as they would lead US to believe they are
how is it they are able to buy SO much
machinery? Every new invention they
buy. Then the house is furnished in grand
style. An organ or piano adorns the par
lor and perhaps Brussels carpet covers the
floor. This probably accounts for the
scarcity of funds.
How is it with the hired help who is
surrounded with large family in a poorly
furnished house? 1t takes all OF his hard
earnings to supply the wants of his family.
Now we ask, in all fairness, which of the
two has cause for complaint. At a meeting
of the Deer Creek Farmers Club the ques-
ion of employing men by the day. month
and year, WAS discussed. One member was
opposed to hiring men by the day. He
said if hand was sent away with the team
and returned after night you were met with
surly looks whereas the month hand ex-
pected to be late sometimes therefore he
preferred to hire by the month. How
would it be if the hand should be detained
at home in the morning, caused BY sickness
in his family? Would he not be met with
surly looks, and what is too often the case,
abusive words from the farmer because he
was little late. 1t is simply disgusting to
hear some farmers speak of their hands.
"Can't trust him, cant teach him anything,
he is not worth his board" These are a
few of many things which are said. One
gentleman of the Club said the hired help
should be considered as members of the
family and treated as such. He had en-
ployed the same men for twenty years and
was we'll pleased with their services. If
there were more farmers like this man
there would exist better feeling between
employer and employee. The essay of Mr..
on in the MIDLAND JOURNAL. spoke of
butchers and nndertakers as being "sharks"
on the community. We are of opinion that
the parties referred to are no more 'sharks'
on the community than are some farmers
because they pay as little for labor as is
possible, often hiring tramps and strangers
at low figures instead of good honest home
labor. Then he charges whenever he can
get it) the same price for his products at
home as he would get in the city. Farm
ers often complain about hands being
scarce. Why is 1t? We think it is caused
by low wages. If our young men and
women could obtain permanent places at
the same wages at home as they get by go
ing away they would remain at home.
The farmers hand he owns no land,
But tolls from morn till night;
At set of sun when work is done
'Tis often said twas not done right.
A WORKINGMAN.